Tattersalls Ireland Novice Hurdle (Grade 1)

Off time: 15:41 | Winning time: 3m 49.09s

Dark Raven⁴¹

Age: 6| Weight: 11-12| J: D A Jacob| T: W P Mullins| CD

14/1

Won both starts in bumpers in 2020/21 and mark himself out as a smart prospect on hurdling debut when beating Doctor Bravo (winner since) by 3 lengths at this C&D (soft) just under 6 weeks ago. 1 of 3 for Willie Mullins.

Form: 11/1

Facile Vega⁴⁰

Age: 6| Weight: 11-12| J: Paul Townend| T: W P Mullins| OR: 153| CD

4/9

One of the most exciting young horses in training, extending his winning sequence to 6 in Future Champions Novices' Hurdle over C&D (soft, 2/9) 40 days ago by 4 lengths from Il Etait Temps. Clearly a hugely exciting prospect.

Form: 1111-11

High Definition⁴¹

Age: 5| Weight: 11-12| J: J J Slevin| T: J P O'Brien| CD

9/1

Very Smart at his best for Aidan O'Brien on the Flat and got the job done on his much anticipated hurdling debut over C&D just under 6 weeks ago, his class seeing him through after making novicey mistakes. Sure to improve with experience so shortlisted.

Form: 1

Il Etait Temps^h⁴⁰

Age: 5| Weight: 11-12| J: D E Mullins| T: W P Mullins| OR: 144| D

14/1

Off the mark at the fourth attempt over hurdles at Thurles and showed improved form returned to Grade 1 company when 4 lengths second of 6 to Facile Vega in Future Champions Novices' Hurdle at this C&D (soft) 40 days ago. Tough to see him turning the tables with his stablemate.

Form: 2354-12

Inthepocket⁴⁷

Age: 6| Weight: 11-12| J: Rachael Blackmore| T: H De Bromhead| OR: 137| D

11/1

Cost £290,000 after winning his sole point and impressive when landing maiden hurdle at Wexford in October. Maintained unbeaten record stepped up in trip/grade in Navan Novices' Hurdle at Naas (19.9f, soft) just under 7 weeks ago and further progress is on the cards.

Form: 1-11

Irish Point²⁸

Age: 5| Weight: 11-12| J: D N Russell| T: G Elliott| OR: 143| D

15/2

French bumper winner who made successful hurdles debut in November. Excellent head-second of 8 to Marine Nationale in Royal Bond Novices' Hurdle at Fairyhouse in December and similar form when filling that same position in Lawlor's of Naas 4 weeks ago. Shouldn't be underestimated.

Form: 31-122

Non-Runners

No Looking Back³⁸

Weight: 11-12| Age: 5

T: O McKiernan J: Phillip Enright

Forecasts

Facile Vega (4/9), Irish Point (15/2), High Definition (9/1), Inthepocket (11/1), Il Etait Temps (14/1), Dark Raven (14/1), No Looking Back (33/1)

Facile Vega is evidently a hugely exciting prospect but if there's a fly in the ointment it could be in the shape of IRISH POINT, who has filled the runner-up position on both his outings in Grade 1 company over hurdles so far and Gordon Elliot's charge can go one better on this occasion. Second choice is the aforementioned Facile Vega, while High Definition adds another layer of intrigue in what promises to be a notably informative Brave Inca.